Abstract: Articles and methods related to elastic films exhibiting low tensile force properties in the machine direction. The elastic films have two layers and an elastomeric core layer bonded between the first layer and the second layer Such elastic films have a wide range of potential uses in both durable and disposable articles, but are particularly well suited for use in elastic waistbands, side panels and elsewhere in diapers, training pants and other products including absorbent products.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film having a first surface defining pockets, each pocket having a depth and breadth and a bottom, the bottom is preferably textured and is thinner than the thickness of the first surface. Devices made from the film include one or more of a variety of materials contained within the pockets and a second layer overlying the first surface to cover the openings of the pockets. A process of making the film is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming an elastic laminate comprising: bonding a first nonwoven to an elastic film to form a laminate; activating the laminate to form an activated laminate; and bonding a consolidated nonwoven to the elastic film of the activated laminate to form the elastic laminate.

Abstract: An article having a top sheet, a core layer and, optionally, a barrier layer is configured to provide storage and metered release of a highly viscous fluid to a target surface. The core layer contains an array of three dimensional voids, which may be opened (i.e., apertured) or closed, that are configured to receive and store the fluid, and is formed of a material that is non-absorbent with respect to the fluid.

Abstract: A method of making a composite intermediate layer by forming a resilient three dimensional apertured formed film; forming a nonwoven web of fibers; joining the nonwoven web with the apertured formed film; and aperturing the joined nonwoven web and formed film to create large scale apertures in the joined nonwoven web and formed film.

Abstract: An apertured vacuum formed film for use as a topsheet in an absorbent article has raised lands in a stroking direction to impart a silky tactile impression. The stroking direction lands are raised between 15 ? and 145 ? relative to the transverse lands. The stroking direction lands may also include a microtexture to enhance the silky tactile impression. Also, the apertures may form boat shape cells to enhance the silky tactile impression.

Abstract: A method of removably adhering a masking film to a textured surface having a surface roughness greater than about 150 Ra, the film having a first side with a smooth, non-coated adhesive surface comprising from about 30 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of at least one thermoplastic elastomer having saturated rubber mid-blocks selected from the group consisting of styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/propylene-styrene, styrene-ethylene/butylene, and styrene-ethylene/propylene, and a second side having a rough surface.

Abstract: A method of thermo-mechanically forming macrotextures in a microtextured film wherein a heat shield is utilized to thermally insulate the microtexture during the forming process.

Abstract: An apertured vacuum formed film for use as a topsheet in an absorbent article has raised lands in a stroking direction to impart a silky tactile impression. The stroking direction lands are raised between 15? and 145? relative to the transverse lands. The stroking direction lands may also include a microtexture to enhance the silky tactile impression. Also, the apertures may form boat shape cells to enhance the silky tactile impression.

Abstract: In an absorbent article, a formed film topsheet provides good rewet performance and a silky tactile impression in a stroking direction. The topsheet has a plurality of Boat Shape Cells substantially aligned in the stroking direction at a mesh greater than about 25 cells per linear inch, as measured perpendicular to the stroking direction. The topsheet may have additional features to enhance the silky tactile impression such as microridges on the lands between the cells, raised lands in the stroking direction, and other parameters as described in the specification and claimed in the claims.

Abstract: A polyolefin microporous breathable film having improved tear and impact strength as well as a soft feel is provided by a film including a polypropylene precursor film and a filler. Other embodiments include a second polymer component.

Abstract: An elastomeric film is bonded between two or more layers of nonwoven webs formed of nonelastomeric thermoplastic fibers. The laminate has, in a predefined transverse direction, an elastic elongation value greater than the predefined elastic elongation value of the nonwoven webs, and an ultimate force to break in the predefined transverse direction of at least 3000 g/in. The laminate advantageously provides a tear resistant, multiple ply, fabric that is soft to the touch as a result of the outwardly disposed nonwoven webs, and has a high elastic modulus. The laminate is particularly useful in applications where closure portions of a product must be stretched to keep the product in place when worn.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a body facing side which is positioned against the users body. The absorbent article is made of, at least, a backsheet, an absorbent core, and a composite topsheet. The backsheet is opposite the body facing side. The absorbent core is between the backsheet and the body facing side. The composite topsheet is between the absorbent core and the body facing side. The composite topsheet includes a resilient three dimensional apertured formed film, a nonwoven web small scale apertures, and large scale apertures. The formed film is between the absorbent core and the body facing side. The formed film has a male side and a female side opposite the male side, and small scale apertures with a mesh count. The nonwoven web of fibers is between the formed film and the body facing side of the absorbent article. The large scale apertures extend through the nonwoven web and the formed film. The large scale apertures have a mesh count which is less than the mesh count of the small scale apertures.

Abstract: A process for rendering films, film composites, and articles made therefrom less resistant to passage of water vapor by passing a filled precursor film or film composite through the nip of interdigitating grooved rollers. The films or film composites are generally formed using a precursor film of a film forming polyolefin or polyolefin blend, with a relatively high filler loading and optionally an elastomer. A process is disclosed for making diapers or other disposable items where a relatively high water vapor is coupled with a resistance to liquid strikethrough. In one embodiment of the invention, the interdigitating grooved rollers are maintained in a temperature range of from about 91° F. to about 159° F.

Abstract: A flexible form fitting web comprises a repeating pattern of predominant high stress lanes normal to the stretch force axis, which lanes are defined by depressions on both sides of the lanes. Connecting members transmit the stretch force to the high stress lanes causing the lanes to respond to stress by bending and uncoupling in varying degrees of each.

Abstract: An elastomeric breathable three-dimensional composite material and the process for producing the same are disclosed. A carrier material is supplied onto a top surface of continuous portions of an elastomeric film to form the composite material. A pressure differential is applied to a bottom surface of film for a period of time sufficient for three-dimensional apertured structures to be formed in the film.

Abstract: A three-dimensional highly elastic film/non-woven composite having a fluid and air impervious core layer and a first and second consolidated layer. The consolidated layers have unidirectional and non-unidirectional fibers. The composite is formed by laminating the air and fluid impermeable elastic core layer between the two layers of consolidated non-wovens. The resulting composite stretches only in the cross-machine direction due to the unidirectional properties of the consolidated non-woven material. The layers are then point bonded or welded together. Preferably the layers are welded by passing the composite between an ultrasonic horn and an ultrasonic bond roll having raised areas for effecting the weld points. A thin inelastic membrane is formed at each of the weld points. The welded composite may then be pre-stretched to rupture the membranes, thereby creating apertures, which makes the composite permeable.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is made of a three dimensional apertured film that defines a large void volume space between the acquisition distribution layer and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer provides high void volume for lateral spillage during repeated insult moments because the topsheet, which is in contact with the user, is held away from dispersing fluid that is unabsorbed by saturated core material. The void volume space provides a pathway for unabsorbed fluid to flow over the top plane of saturated core regions to unsaturated regions of the core material for absorption. The void volume space allows this migration of fluid to occur without the fluid coming into contact with the topsheet, thereby avoiding a feeling of wetness for a wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a topsheet, an absorbent core, and an acquisition distribution layer between the topsheet and the core. The topsheet has an affinity for water and is therefore philic, not phobic. The acquisition distribution layer is more philic than the topsheet, thereby creating a surface energy gradient between the topsheet and the acquisition distribution layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is made of a three dimensional apertured film that defines a large void volume space between the acquisition distribution layer and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer provides high void volume for lateral spillage during repeated insult moments because the topsheet, which is in contact with the user, is held away from dispersing fluid that is unabsorbed by saturated core material. The void volume space provides a pathway for unabsorbed fluid to flow over the top plane of saturated core regions to unsaturated regions of the core material for absorption. The void volume space allows this migration of fluid to occur without the fluid coming into contact with the topsheet, thereby avoiding a feeling of wetness for a wearer.